Upgradable Home Awareness System

ABSTRACT

A group of unsupervised detectors or control units, in wireless communication with a user, can be upgraded for the user with the addition of hardware and/or downloadable software to provide communications and information to a supervisory station. Supervisory station services can be implemented locally or via cloud based computer services. A displaced dealer can be contacted using codes carried by the detectors or control units for installation or activation of additional services.

FIELD

The application pertains to systems and methods of upgrading an installed group of detectors intended to monitor various types of conditions in a region, on an unsupervised basis, to a supervised system. More particularly, the application pertains to such systems and methods which provide installable equipment, or downloadable apps or files of executable software to add a supervisory capability to amalgamations of detectors which have been installed quite independently of one another.

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in the use of home awareness systems that allow home owners to remotely control activities within their homes. These systems can be controlled by a tablet computer or smart phone to turn on lights, lock doors, set back a thermostat etc. A drawback of these systems is that they do not support life-safety and security services via a professionally supervisory station. There are instances where it would be an advantage to a home owner to initially perform a do-it-yourself installation of an awareness solution that might in fact be available as a B2C offering, but which would allow a subsequent upgrade to professional grade supervision without the need for wholesale replacement of the existing equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system in accordance herewith; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of another system in accordance herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While disclosed embodiments can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles thereof as well as the best mode of practicing same, and is not intended to limit the application or claims to the specific embodiment illustrated.

In one aspect, as described below, embodiments hereof can implement system upgrades via one or more of a hardware upgrade, a local firmware/software upgrade or, a cloud service upgrade.

In one aspect, an additional hardware module can be added to the awareness solution, which might include a detector or a control unit. The module can, for example, upgrade communication reliability to a supervisory station and communicate via RF to the detectors or control units previously installed in the home to upgrade their capabilities for professional operation. For example, a motion detector in an awareness solution may operate in an unsupervised way—i.e. low battery and tamper might not be monitored, but upon installation of the security hardware module, a message can be sent to all sensors in a database to enable the supervisory capability. Alternately, a 4G communicator could be provided to add a redundant communication path to the (less reliable) Internet connection. This hardware module would be designed to connect directly to the awareness product, detectors or control units, without marring the aesthetics of either device.

This additional capability could be provided by enabling downloaded or pre-stored firmware to the product or by downloading an app.

In an initial operational phase, the cloud service itself could initially offer limited connectivity for the awareness solution. Following hardware or firmware/software upgrades in the equipment in the home, a second operational phase could offer a different level of service with professional supervision.

In another aspect, the home owner buys, on line or in a store, a home awareness solution to monitor predetermined conditions, or, remotely control lights and HVAC. In a cloud based configuration, the homeowner registers the product online for the cloud services. The registrant's contact details can be shared with a local security system dealer. Alternately, the carton could include a readable code or a 1-800 number for the homeowner to contact the dealer.

The security system dealer can automatically contact the home-owner thereafter offering additional products and services. Should the home-owner decide to upgrade to higher service levels, then the dealer can enable new services via the cloud. Alternately, the dealer can download additional firmware/software to the devices in the home and in some cases may take additional hardware to the site to add new capabilities to the installed system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-mode apparatus 10 wherein a residence R has been equipped with a home awareness-type system which includes a plurality of devices such as ambient condition detectors, CO, smoke, moisture 12 a . . . 12 c, security monitoring detectors, intrusion detectors, glass break detectors, 14 a, 14 b along with a plurality of control units such as door locking units, lighting control units, or HVAC control units 16 a, 16 b and 16 c. Garage door openers 18 a, 18 b can also be included.

The noted devices and units in a first phase can be in wireless communication with a tablet computer, smart phone or like device C operated by a user U who might reside in the residence R. In an initial phase of operation, the user U is able to communicate individually with the various devices via networks such as the Internet, or 3G, or 4G communications networks, indicated by arrows numbered “1”.

The apparatus 10 can be upgraded to a second phase of operation by installing a hardware module 20, for example at light control unit 16 b, or by downloading one or more apps, as at 22, to provide communications with and supervisory services from a displaced supervisory station S. In this mode, the various detectors or control units installed at residence R can communicate with the local control module 20, or via activated, or, downloaded software or apps 22. Module 20, or the upgraded detectors or control units can in turn communicate via one or more networks with the supervisory station S, indicated by arrows numbered “2”.

The various detectors or units of the residence R might carry a code, such as code 26 affixed to lighting control unit 16 b. The user U can read the code 26, via unit C which in turn can place the user U in communication with a security system dealer D who can provide additional services which can be downloaded as firmware 22 via the networks, the Internet I or the 4G communications networks. As an alternate, user U can contact the dealer D via a toll free phone number to set up additional services or features.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate configuration 10′ wherein cloud services C can provide on-demand software services to support communications to/from residence R and to enable the station S to carry out a cloud based supervisory function. Among other features the cloud services C can maintain a local data base of information as to all detector units installed at residence R for use by the station S as well as usable in communications by the dealer D, or, with units installed in the residence R and the user U.

In FIG. 2 the same identification numerals have been used to designate elements as discussed relative to FIG. 1. Where elements carry the same identification numerals as previously discussed relative to FIG. 1, those of skill will understand that no further discussion thereof is needed.

In summary, embodiments as disclosed herein provide hardware and/or software based solutions to enable a user to upgrade an unsupervised group of detectors and/or control units to a supervised status using either wireless networks, and/or cloud computing services. A common supervisory controller, and or dealer, can communicate with remote detectors or control units to enable new features and to process additional features from those remote units.

Scenes could be enabled in an upgraded system. For example, in its original business-to-consumer state, a system might provide independent control of a remote wireless door lock. However, following a professional upgrade the lock could be locked by the security system arming command. Then, an arming command could randomize internal lights of the residence to give an impression that an unoccupied/vacation home actually has occupants. The presented scene could be varied over time as the evening progressed to present a dynamic and more believable appearance.

Those of skill will understand that while the above noted embodiments have been discussed in the context up an upgradable home control system that the teachings hereof apply equally to commercial buildings, without limitation.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. Further, logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be add to, or removed from the described embodiments. 

1. An upgradable control system comprising: a plurality of wireless units which can monitor or control conditions in a selected region, wherein the units function in a stand alone, unsupervised state; and additional hardware, apps or downloadable executable instructions to upgrade a selected unit of the plurality thereby enabling remote supervision of at least that unit.
 2. A system as in claim 1 where at least some of the remaining members of the plurality are upgradable along with the selected unit.
 3. A system as in claim 2 wherein upgraded units communicate wirelessly with a displaced supervisory station.
 4. A system as in claim 3 where communication takes place via one or more wireless computer networks.
 5. A system as in claim 4 wherein networks are selected from a class which includes at least wireless local area networks, 3G, or 4G communications networks.
 6. A system as in claim 4 wherein members of the plurality are selected from a class which includes at least ambient condition detectors, security monitoring detectors, environmental monitoring and control units, lighting monitoring and control units, door openers and door locks.
 7. A system as in claim 2 wherein the upgraded members of the plurality communicate, via a cloud computing service, with a displaced supervisory service.
 8. A system as in claim 7 wherein a supervisory service function is implemented at a site displaced from the members of the plurality, via the cloud computing service.
 9. A system as in claim 8 which includes at least one security related data base which includes information accessible by the supervisory service and which identifies a plurality of regions being supervised by the service.
 10. A system as in claim 9 where the data base includes information pertaining to members of a class which includes at least ambient condition detectors, security monitoring detectors, environmental control units, lighting control units, door openers and door locks.
 11. A system as in claim 6 wherein at least some of the members of the class carry a readable code to forward a message to a displaced third party relating to available services or products.
 12. A method comprising: providing a plurality of unsupervised units selected from a class which includes at least ambient condition detectors, security monitoring detectors, environmental control units, lighting control units, door openers and door locks; providing upgraded functionality for at least some members of the class so that those members can be supervised from a displaced location; and communicating wirelessly with at least some of the upgraded members of the class to implement the supervisory function.
 13. A method as in claim 12 which includes providing a cloud based computer service to implement at least the supervisory function.
 14. A method as in claim 12 which includes associating a unique code with respective members of the plurality and responsive to detecting the code, communicating the availability of upgrade related services.
 15. A method as in claim 12 which includes downloading one of an app or a file of executable instructions to at least one member of the plurality to implement the supervisory function, at least in part.
 16. A multi-mode control system comprising: a plurality of installable devices which in a first phase operate in an unsupervised mode; circuitry associated with at least one device to upgrade that device to a second phase of supervised operation, wherein the circuitry can be implemented with one of an added hardware module, pre-loaded firmware which can be remotely activated, or downloadable executable instructions.
 17. A system as in claim 16 wherein communications between the at least one device and a displaced supervisory station can be implemented via at least one wireless network.
 18. A system as in claim 16 wherein members of the plurality can be upgraded for second phase supervised operation, and, communications can be received from a displaced third party, in response to upgrading at least one member of the plurality, presenting additional supervisory services or features which might be incorporated into the system.
 19. A system as in claim 16 where a supervisory function can be implemented relative to a wireless unit via at least one of a cloud based service, or a wireless network in communication with a displaced supervisory station.
 20. A system as in claim 16 whereby when the at least one device has upgraded to a second phase of supervised operation, a plurality of visual or optical effects can be created to create an impression of occupancy by a user. 